Branciforte Drive – Granite Creek Road loop from Santa Cruz
Branciforte Drive – Granite Creek Road loop from Santa Cruz
2.6
(17)
48
riders
Branciforte Drive – Granite Creek Road loop from Santa Cruz
00:57
18.0km
320m
Road cycling
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.
Last updated: April 22, 2026
Tips
Temporary access restrictions
Includes segments with temporary access restrictions.
After 2.65 km for 998 m
Discouraged
Waypoints
Start point
Bus stop
Get Directions
8.57 km
Branciforte Drive
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
12.3 km
Granite Creek Road
Highlight (Segment) • Cycleway
Tip by
18.0 km
End point
Bus stop
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
15.4 km
1.15 km
952 m
458 m
Surfaces
16.3 km
1.66 km
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Elevation
Highest point (300 m)
Lowest point (40 m)
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Weather
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Today
Tuesday 14 July
32°C
15°C
0 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 7.0 km/h
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Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Description
If you're looking for a rewarding road cycling route near Santa Cruz that balances challenge with stunning scenery, the Branciforte Drive – Granite Creek Road loop from Santa Cruz is an excellent choice. This moderate 11.2-mile (18.0 km) ride packs in 1036 feet (316 metres) of climbing over roughly 56 minutes, making it ideal for cyclists with good fitness seeking a diverse and picturesque loop.
What to expect on Branciforte Drive – Granite Creek Road loop from Santa Cruz
As you pedal, you'll journey through the lush landscapes of Happy Valley and Scotts Valley, with views of redwood forests. The route truly shines along Granite Creek Road, where the valley narrows into a ravine, revealing a boulder-strewn stream and a "tunnel of lush vegetation and redwoods." Look out for the striking section where the road is squeezed between an overhanging sandstone crag and a steep drop. While the 1036 feet (316 metres) of climbing, including a sustained 3.8% average gradient on Granite Creek Road, will test your legs, the varied scenery and quiet roads make it a rewarding experience for intermediate road cyclists.
Planning your visit
While specific parking details aren't highlighted, the route is frequently used by cyclists, suggesting accessible starting points. Recent pavement maintenance on Branciforte Drive and Granite Creek Road means smoother riding, and the shade along Granite Creek Road makes the climb more comfortable, especially on warmer days. Keep an eye out for the Mystery Spot early in the ride, and enjoy the oak-lined roadway above a horse farm on Glenwood Drive.
Trail details
- Distance: 11.2 miles (18.0 km)
- Elevation gain: 1036 feet (316 metres)
- Difficulty: moderate
- Estimated time: 56 minutes
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